Kalamazoo, Michigan was the scene of a horrific case of irresponsible parenting; a couple faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse following the December death of their 6-month-old daughter, Faith Hope Roldan. Jose Antonio Roldan Jr., 40, and Ladesha Powe, 29, were arraigned this week, with the court setting their bond at $100,000 each.
The charges stem from a distressing scene of neglect that developed on the night of December 13, 2023, culminating in the suffocation of their infant daughter. Court documents reveal a night filled with alcohol and marijuana use by the parents, who then fell asleep with their daughter on a couch. Tragically, Faith was smothered after becoming wedged between the couch cushions and her father, who weighs 300 pounds. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting remarked on the case, emphasizing the avoidable nature of the tragedy. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “It’s something that was completely unnecessary. It should have never happened.”
The incident was captured on video in their living room. “At some point, Jose lays down on the couch to fall asleep and Ladesha sits down by his feet with Faith in her arms,” the affidavits state. “Ladesha appears to fall asleep and Faith falls out of her arms and lands behind Jose and wedges in between Jose and the back of the couch. Jose eventually readjusts himself and the baby becomes completely smothered, kicking (her) feet, crying, until Faith becomes lifeless.” The tragic scene continues with: “Powe waking up, searching for Faith, giving up and going to the bedroom where she slept for the rest of the night, until Roldan woke her in the morning.”
The couple’s consumption of large amounts of alcohol has been rightfully lambasted by court officials, with the judge denouncing the father’s alleged behavior as “grossly negligent.” Video evidence obtained by the prosecution shows the harrowing moments leading up to Faith’s death, including her desperate movements before becoming lifeless. This footage, described by Prosecutor Getting as “horrific,” served as a key piece of evidence in the arraignment.
Faith’s death, ruled a homicide due to “mechanical asphyxia” by an autopsy, is serving as an alarm bell for the dangers of substance abuse around vulnerable children. Prosecutor Getting’s comments highlight the broader societal issue of ensuring children’s safety, particularly in environments where substance abuse is present. “Being a parent means taking care of your kids, not just ignoring the risk that you’re putting them in,” he stated.
As their relatives and friends deal with this heart-wrenching death, the case against Jose Roldan Jr. and Ladesha Powe continues, with their legal proceedings set to further examine the circumstances leading to Faith Hope Roldan’s untimely death. The couple’s other children are now in the care of other family members.
